Trippin’ across the continent
Enjoy another side of Europe, from behind the wheel of a car, writes Brook Sabin.
PHOTOS: BROOK SABIN
There is only one way to discover the real fairytale Europe, with its castles, cobblestone medieval villages, incredible vistas, and mindblowing array of culinary delights. That’s by car. Yes, public transport serves the well-trodden paths well. But behind the wheel, you can blend them with a slice of Europe you never knew existed.
Here are seven European road trips of a lifetime:
Adriatic Highway, Croatia
Croatia has some of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Europe, with more than 1200 islands dotted among its alluring turquoise waters.
Start in the ancient northern city of Pula – full of Roman ruins – and drive incredible coastal highways all the way south to the seaside fortress of Dubrovnik and get lost in its labyrinth of marblepaved streets.
Along the way, pop out to an island, such as Korcula, a 10-minute car ferry from the mainland.
There you will find an enchanting mix of vineyards, beaches, and a medieval town surrounded by a huge wall.
Tuscany, Italy
If Italy is the most romantic country on Earth, its pulsing heart is the undulating hills of Tuscany.
Start in Florence, then drive to the leaning tower of Pisa, and the medieval city of Lucca, encased in a dramatic 4 kilometre wall.
Then head three hours’ south to the mythical Terme di Saturnia, a geothermal waterfall that cascades down a dozen naturally formed hot tubs.
Combe Laval, France
You may have heard of those hairraising drives like ‘‘the road of death’’ in Bolivia.
The Combe Laval is the French version, although it is completely safe and a stunning ride along the Alps.
The road hangs on the side of a 600-metre cliff and weaves through a series of tunnels built into the mountain. It was so stunning, we drove it multiple times.
Great Dolomite Road, Italy
Italy is much more than ancient cities, beautiful beaches, and great food. It is also home to one of the most picturesque mountain ranges in the world.
The Dolomites are unlike anything I’ve seen, with jagged pink-hued granite peaks that plunge into rolling green meadows below.
The Great Dolomite Road weaves through the heart of the Dolomite’s 13 peaks, with incredible vistas around almost every corner.
Southern France
The closest thing to driving through a fairy tale is exploring France’s southern regions. There are literally hundreds of cobblestone medieval villages you’ve never heard of – but will certainly fall in love with. Each comes with its own set of delicious markets, chocolatiers and bakeries.
Take Entrevaux as an example. I’d never heard of the fortress village before we stumbled across it.
With a drawbridge and citadel atop a hill, it looks a like scene right out of Game of Thrones – and there were virtually no other tourists.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italy’s most romantic drive links 13 old-world villages in a spectacular cliff edge road, which is best attempted in the off-season – to avoid queues.
Every romance has its testing moments, and you’ll almost certainly experience one or two driving Amalfi. Locals hurtle around the narrow blind corners with a gusto only Italians could possess.
Take it slow, and it’ll likely be the most memorable drive of your life.
Sicily
Driving Sicily is an infectious adventure. One moment, you’ll meander through an ancient village stopping for gelato, the next you’ll snake your way up the slopes of Mount Etna, the eternally smoking volcano that regularly shows its spirit.
If that wasn’t alluring enough, the medieval town of Modica is home to an ancient and unique type of chocolate inspired by the Aztecs.